The News Aggregator

Nawaz Sharif’s ouster didn’t affect CPEC, says Chinese ambassador

LAHORE – Top Chinese envoy has said that ouster of Nawaz Sharif as the prime minister of Pakistan has not affected China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, and instead, the project has picked up pace.

Ambassador Yao Jing on Saturday called on the former prime minister in Lahore, where he said the multi-billion dollar economic corridor has laid a strong foundation in carrying out their decades’ old socio-economic partnership that meant to improve living conditions of the people.

He hoped that all the projects relating to China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will be executed smoothly, according to Radio Pakistan.

Yao Jing appreciated Nawaz Sharif’s support and commitment to promoting Sino-Pak friendship and said that two countries have come closer to each other to promote their common aspirations of the people of two countries.

Nawaz Sharif thanked the newly appointed ambassador to Pakistan and hoped that his positive role will further contribute to the development of the socio-economic partnership, particularly in the context of CPEC.

Later, during interaction with the media, Mr Jing pointed out that CPEC is on schedule.

On Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, the ambassador urged both the countries to resolve their disputes amicably. He also urged Afghanistan to take advantage from CPEC and make itself stronger through trade.

On Indian allegations that CPEC is passing through the disputed territory, Jing said that India’s calms are totally unfounded. He ruled out that the project was a threat to anyone and reiterated that it will help uplift the entire region economically.

The ambassador also acknowledged Pakistan’s role in curbing terrorism and said that Pakistan has sacrificed a lot in eliminating the menace, the Pakistan Today reported.

Defending Pakistan against US President Donald Trump’s statements that Pakistan is a terrorist safe haven, the Chinese envoy said that the security situation had improved in the country due to the counter-terrorism efforts of Pakistan.

“Previously when I was posted in Pakistan, we could not go out without armed escorts. But now, the situation is different and we can go out without security,” he added.